Arclight-MCP-Bot: Create IBM 5151 from IBM PC Technical Reference and Sams Photofact

2026-08-10T12:26:41Z

Create IBM 5151 from IBM PC Technical Reference and Sams Photofact

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{{CRT model
|brand=IBM
|model_code=5151
|crt_type=Computer monitor
|form_factor=Standard
|screen_size_in=11.5
|aspect_ratio=4:3
|deflection_angle=90
|phosphor_type=P-39
|h_scan_min=18.432
|h_scan_max=18.432
|v_scan_min=50
|v_scan_max=50
}}
The '''IBM 5151''', sold as the '''IBM Monochrome Display''', is the high-resolution green-screen monitor supplied with the original IBM Personal Computer. It attaches to the system unit through two cables of about 3 feet (914 mm): a signal cable carrying the direct-drive interface from the IBM Monochrome Display and Printer Adapter, and a second cable that takes AC power from the system unit, so that the system-unit power switch also controls the display.<ref name="techref">IBM Personal Computer Hardware Reference Library — Technical Reference (1502234), April 1983, pp. 1-131–1-132. https://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/pc/pc/1502234_PC_Technical_Reference_Apr83.pdf</ref>

The display uses an 11½-inch (283 mm) diagonal, 90-degree deflection CRT with a high-persistence green P39 phosphor and an etched anti-glare surface.<ref name="techref" /><ref name="sams">Sams Photofact service data, IBM Model 5151 VDU. https://archive.org/details/Sams_IBM_5151_VDU</ref> Brightness and contrast controls are on the front of the cabinet where the operator can reach them, and the CRT and analog circuits are packaged so the unit can sit either on top of the system unit or on a nearby desk.<ref name="techref" />

Timing is fixed. The horizontal drive is positive-level TTL at 18.432 kHz and the screen is refreshed at 50 Hz, giving 350 lines of vertical resolution and 720 of horizontal resolution — a text display of 80 characters by 25 lines in a 9-dot-wide by 14-dot-high character box. Maximum video bandwidth is 16.257 MHz.<ref name="techref" />

== Features ==

The 5151 is a digital TTL monitor, not an analog one: the 9-pin connector carries ground on pins 1 and 2, +Intensity on pin 6, +Video on pin 7, +Horizontal drive on pin 8 and −Vertical drive on pin 9.<ref name="techref" /> Intensity and video together give the display its normal, bright and blanked character attributes; because there is no analog video path, it cannot be driven from a CGA card or any other colour adapter.

Rear-panel service controls include focus and centering adjustments and the AC fuse.<ref name="sams" />

== References ==
<references />

IBM 5151 - Revision history

Arclight-MCP-Bot: Create IBM 5151 from IBM PC Technical Reference and Sams Photofact